International Relations – Realism (Session 03)

Question-and-answer flashcards covering classical realism, neorealism, key thinkers, core assumptions, and related concepts from the lecture on Realism in International Relations.

What theoretical perspective is considered the most well-established in the academic discipline of International Relations?

Realism.

According to realists, why must states be prepared for war rather than focusing solely on disarmament?

Because conflict is inevitable; strength is the best way to deter real or potential aggression.

In realist theory, which actors are viewed as the key players in international relations?

States.

What is the defining characteristic of the international system for realists?

Anarchy—the absence of a central authority to regulate state actions.

How do realists describe human nature?

Humans are selfish and power-loving.

What concept describes states relying on their own resources for security in an anarchic international system?

Self-help.

According to classical realists, what is the main form of power that states seek?

Military or physical power.

In Thucydides’ Melian Dialogue, why did Athens reject Melos’s offer of neutrality?

Athens believed accepting neutrality would signal weakness to its subjects, whereas Melos’s hostility demonstrated Athenian power.

Which Renaissance thinker argued that "it is much safer to be feared than loved"?

Niccolò Machiavelli.

Complete Morgenthau’s statement: "International Politics, like all politics, is a _ for power."

Struggle.

According to Hans J. Morgenthau, what is the immediate aim of international politics?

Power.

In Morgenthau’s six principles, what concept is key to understanding international politics?

Interest defined in terms of power.

What are Kenneth Waltz’s three levels of analysis?

The individual (human), the state, and the international system.

How does neorealism (structural realism) explain the behavior of states?

By the structure of the anarchic international system and the distribution of capabilities among states, rather than human nature or ethics.

In neorealism, what drives change in the international system?

Changes in the distribution of capabilities among states.

What term describes the mutual fear and suspicion that arises because states cannot be sure of others’ intentions?

The security dilemma.

What is the main difference between offensive realism and defensive realism?

Offensive realism sees states as power maximizers seeking hegemony, whereas defensive realism sees states as security maximizers seeking primarily to avoid attack.

Who asserted that "maximizing relative power to the point of hegemony is the ultimate aim of every state"?

John Mearsheimer.

What is meant by a balance of power in realist theory?

A distribution of power capabilities that prevents any one state from dominating the system.

What is the difference between relative gains and absolute gains?

Relative gains compare benefits against other states, while absolute gains measure the total benefit to a state regardless of others.

According to Morgenthau, what key question must be asked about any foreign policy to maintain the autonomy of the political sphere?

"How does this policy affect the power of the nation?"